Statements and speeches
Statement
Message from Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
25 November 2019
The crime of rape is a severe human rights violation, yet it remains widespread around the globe. Sexual violence is an epidemic that thrives in times of conflict and during emergencies, once the rule of law and criminal justice systems collapse and, far too often, rape is wielded as a weapon of war.
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Capacity strengthening: the key to Africa’s sustainable development
18 November 2019
Keynote speech by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, at the 8th African Population Conference in Entebbe, Uganda
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Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Closing Ceremony
14 November 2019
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the closing ceremony of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25.
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Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Welcoming Ceremony
12 November 2019
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Welcoming Ceremony.
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Accelerating global action to fulfill the rights of Afro-descendants in Latin America and the Caribbean
17 October 2019
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the High-level Meeting on "Accelerating global action for the fulfilment of rights for Afro-descendant people in Latin America and the Caribbean", San José, Costa Rica.
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GirlForce: Unscripted and unstoppable on the road to Nairobi and beyond!
11 October 2019
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the International Day of the Girl, 11 October Around the world, girls are challenging gender stereotypes and breaking free from the…
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World Mental Health Day
10 October 2019
The mental health consequences of crisis and conflict are serious, yet often overlooked. Those caught in humanitarian emergencies suffer psychological trauma and invisible wounds as devastating and crippling as any physical harm. Survivors can face long-lasting challenges to their health and well-being, and too often, suffer in silence.
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The peoples’ movements: demographic change and women’s rights in the Caribbean
04 October 2019
33rd Dr. Eric Williams Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Statement of the Executive Director to the 2nd Regular Session of the Executive Board 2019
05 September 2019
Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem to the 2nd Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS 2019.
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Women humanitarians protect human rights, dignity and give hope to others
19 August 2019
As we mark World Humanitarian Day, UNFPA salutes those who respond to crises around the world. This year, we call attention to the courage and commitment of women humanitarians who assist people amidst conflict, disasters and displacement.
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My Body, My Life, My World! – a brand new rallying cry for the SDG generation
12 August 2019
From their communities to their capital cities, young people everywhere are demanding their rights, as affirmed 25 years ago at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. In the decades since, we at UNFPA have accompanied countless young people on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
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World Day against Trafficking in Persons
30 July 2019
Trafficking in persons exploits the most vulnerable among us, those often already disadvantaged and marginalized, including refugees and migrants. No country is immune. More than 70 percent of human…
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